Ross Reels (We Toured Their 2020 Selection of Reels!)

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When you’re a fly fisher, your fly reel is an essential piece of gear. You want a reel that is sturdy, durable, and powerful enough to haul in those big fish. Ross Reels has been creating top-quality reels since 1973, and its products are built to last a lifetime.

With decades of experience, the team at Ross Reels continues to innovate and create exciting new designs. They aim to inspire adventure by making high-quality products that have been rigorously tested, to meet and exceed your needs out on the water. You can shop for Ross fly reels online, and many local fly shop dealers also sell these premium Ross fly reels. Now, let’s take a closer look at what Ross Reels has to offer!

Ross Reels – The Models

San Miguel

Ross Reels introduced the San Miguel reel all the way back in 1973, as one of its very first Ross fly products. Now it’s back with a complete re-invention and redesign to make it better than ever. This classic fly reel looks sleek out on the water with its high-gloss black finish.

The San Miguel fly reel has a large arbor design, and you can remove the spool with the touch of a button. You’ll be amazed by the super-smooth operation of this premium fly reel – it really is second to none. Reeling in fish will be a delight with the San Miguel fly reel.

Small touches take this fly reel to the next level, like the canvas micarta handle for better grip in wet conditions, the fully sealed drag, and the ease of adjusting the drag on this fly reel. It’s well worth the price of $595!

If you like to get out on the water at every possible opportunity, this fly reel will improve your overall fishing experience. Ross Reels has outdone itself by combining a classic design with the best of modern technology, with an outstanding result.

If the San Miguel is just what you’ve been looking for, you can shop online. Alternatively, find your nearest fly shop and check it out in person!

Animas

At a cheaper price than the San Miguel, the Animas fly reel is an affordable but exceptional product from Ross fly reels. Of all the Ross fly reels, the Animas is one of the most versatile. With its anodized finish, it’s suitable for both saltwater and freshwater. The Animas has an extra-large, bell-shaped spool, a canvas phenolic handle that increases grip even when wet, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

The new design by Ross fly reels means that the Animas is stronger, but also more lightweight than before. It will balance your fly rod perfectly, and packs the power to withstand big fish. The intricate machining and two-tone aluminum accents make these Ross fly reels look attractive and elegant, both in the shop and out on the water. Shop for the Animas fly reel online, or head for your nearest fly shop to try it out.

Evolution LTX

Ross Fly Reels combined the best of its previous fly products, the Evolution LT and the Evolution R, to create the Evolution LTX. It’s a vast improvement, with 4 times the strength. The Evolution LTX has a robust but appropriate drag system, giving just the right amount of pressure. It can handle big trout, but also bonefish, snook, and redfish, so you can use these Ross fly reels in saltwater or freshwater.

The smart spool design provides strength while ensuring that the fly reel remains lightweight. These Ross fly reels have that signature canvas phenolic handle and bell-shaped arbor design. Of all the Ross fly reels, the Evolution LTX is the perfect trout fly reel, but versatile enough for hunting down big saltwater fish, too. Shop online for the Evolution LTX or visit your nearest fly shop/Ross dealer to check it out!

Gunnison

Named after the Gunnison River, this model from Ross fly reels is sturdy, durable, and reliable. It has a cool, unique design that stands out, with retro round porting and octagonal machining. The Gunnison Ross fly reels were fully updated in 2018, testimony to Ross Fly Reels’ dedication to producing the best reels around.

Now, the Gunnison Ross fly reels have a large arbor, new drag knob, and a leader groove. The buttery smooth drag system is inspired by the Evolution LTX, with hardly any startup inertia for a great fly fishing experience. Visit your nearest Ross fly reels dealer or shop online for this incredible, beefy reel.

Evolution R Salt

The Evolution R Salt is a superb, saltwater specific offering from Ross fly reels. It has a turbo-powered drag system that can manage even the biggest fish smoothly and confidently. The Evolution R Salt can exert up to 30 pounds of pressure, so you can challenge yourself out on the flats or the open sea.

At the same time, this fly reel is lightweight and super strong. The large drag knob makes it quick and simple to adjust your drag on the go, for an improved fly fishing experience. Shop online or in-store for the Evolution R Salt by Ross fly reels, if you’re looking for a stunning saltwater reel. You won’t be disappointed by this iconic Ross saltwater fly reel!

Evolution R

Years of expertise, experimentation, and technical adjustments went into creating the Evolution R by Ross fly reels. These Ross fly reels are fully sealed, durable, and compact.

With an ultra-large spool, this model for fly fishing ensures smooth, even line winding. It’s also unbelievably lightweight, with every fly reel weighing less than 5.2 ounces. You can shop for the Evolution R from Ross Fly Reels online, or visit your nearest fly shop/Ross dealer, instead.

Colorado LT

Ross Fly Reels manufacture these Colorado LT fly reels in Colorado, with an elegant, minimalist result. But don’t be fooled by their simple design: these Ross fly reels can put up a hell of a fight! With an aluminum frame and spool, these Ross fly reels are both sturdy and lightweight. Small but important details like the anodized aluminum clicker cover and the quick release spool finish this great Colorado LT fly model from Ross Reels.

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The Wrap Up

There you have a quick guide to all the Ross fly reels, to help you find the perfect reel for your fly fishing set up. Ross Reels offer high quality, outstanding fly reels for every situation. Synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability, Ross fly reels will last a lifetime. So if you’re interested, find your nearest fly shop stocking Ross products here, or shop online for your new Ross Reel! It’s a decision you won’t regret.

Ben Kepka

Hey, I'm Ben, a fly fisherman for over 20 years and also an aspiring blogger. I've been into fly fishing since my graduation from spin fishing when I was 12 years old. I started flyfisherpro.com to help introduce as many people into this amazing sport. Tight lines everyone! You can read more on our about page here.

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